Sir Richard Branson refuses to give his view on Scottish independence.. for now

14:31, 13 May 2014

ByScotland Now

THE business tycoon, who was speaking at the Scottish Business Awards in Edinburgh, said he is coming back to Scotland for the Commonwealth Games and may voice his opinion then.

Share

Get weekly news by email

REUTERS/Chip East

Sir Richard Branson

SIR Richard Branson has said it is "not his place" to give a view on the Scottish independence referendum.

The businessman was speaking at the Scottish Business Awards in Edinburgh last night in front of around 2,000 guests including politicians such as First Minister Alex Salmond and Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.

Broadcaster Alastair Stewart hosted a question-and-answer session with Sir Richard and asked him if he thought Scotland's famous entrepreneurial track record could be better maintained as part of the UK or under independence.

The Virgin founder received a round of applause from the audience when he said: "I had a feeling this was going to come up. I'm not sure it's my place to intervene and I know that's a cop out.

"I'm coming to the Commonwealth Games, maybe by then I'll say something."

Sir Richard was named 24th on the Sunday Times 2014 Billionaire list released at the weekend, and is said to be worth £3.6 billion.

He told the audience at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre: "I really do think it's for the Scots to decide, they need to look at all the facts in as much detail as possible, I think they all need to get out there and vote and whatever the outcome is I've got a feeling we'll still be great friends."